Materials supplier Solvay has introduced Omnix LF-4050 and Omnix LF-4060 polyamides (PA) with long fiber glass content of 50 and 60% respectively. These materials are suitable for applications subjected to permanent load or operating conditions where metal is still prevalent. The new Omnix LF grades can be used in applications where the high temperature or hydrolytic stability performance limits of PA66 are reached. Both Omnix LF-4050 and Omnix LF-4060 offer cost and performance benefits against metal for components under permanent load or severe operating environments in a variety of markets including advanced transportation, automotive, household appliances, sports and leisure, and mechanical and industrial engineering. The grades are available in ‘natural’ and black. ‘Metal substitution has entered a new phase,’ said Dr Eric Martin, global business development manager, long fiber thermoplastics. ‘There is a growing demand for plastics capable of reaching beyond the current performance barriers of optimized short-fiber filled thermoplastics without sacrificing design freedom, processing efficiency and surface quality.’
Dimensional stability
The long fiber technology is characterized by the formation of an entangled, three-dimensional long-fiber skeleton in the finished molded parts. This feature provides a combination of stiffness and toughness and dimensional stability while inhibiting crack propagation. When compared to properties of standard reinforced Omnix products, the ductility of Omnix LF grades shows up to 350% higher notched and multi-axial impact strength while preserving material stiffness. Omnix LF grades also exhibit high property retention under the influence of heat and moisture when compared with standard glass filled HPPA, The grades can also outperform short-fiber PA materials in creep resistance under high loads at high temperature. Solvay is currently applying LFT technology to other specialty polymers including long fiber filled Amodel polyphthalamide (PPA), Ixef polyarylamide (PARA), and Ryton polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).
This story uses material from Solvay,with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
